ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Cases Under POCSO Act
The data of total number of State/UTs wise  cases registered, cases charge-sheeted, cases convicted, persons arrested, persons charge-sheeted and persons convicted under POCSO Act, 2012 as provided by National Crime Record Bureau is annexed.
The POCSO Act, 2012 was amended in 2019 to introduce more stringent punishment including death penalty for committing sexual crimes on children, with a view to deter the perpetrators & prevent such crimes against children. Further, Ministry of Women & Child Development notified new POCSO Rules, 2020 replacing the previous POCSO Rules, 2012. POCSO Rules, 2020 include provisions for mandatory police verification of staff in schools and care homes, procedures to report child sexual abuse material , imparting age-appropriate child rights education, among other things. The POCSO Rules 2020 also stipulate that the central government and every state government shall provide periodic training including orientation programmes, sensitization workshops and refresher courses to all persons, whether regular or contractual, coming in contact with the children, to sensitize them about child safety and protection and educate them regarding their responsibility under the Act.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Click here to see Annexure
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
‘LIFE’ - ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, key to combating climate change
Green economy, one of the top seven priorities  of the Union Budget 2023-24
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Government has started Lifestyle for Environment  movement with a view to sensitize all stakeholders, including the public at large, about the need for mindful utilization instead of mindless consumption of resources. A comprehensive and non-exhaustive list of 75 individual environment-friendly actions  across 7 categories has been identified for nudging individuals, communities and institutions as a part of this movement.
In the written reply it was stated that the five elements enunciated by India at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 have been appropriately incorporated in enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution  under Paris Agreement and Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategies towards net zero emissions by 2070, in accordance with the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities  in light of National Circumstances.
The update to NDC submitted to UNFCCC in August 2022 includes India's commitment to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level; achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund; and put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.
The NDC update is a step towards achieving India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070; for which India has prepared and submitted a separate framework document titled ‘India’s Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategy’ to the secretariat of the UNFCCC in November 2022. India’s long term strategy rests on seven key transitions to low-carbon development pathways including promotion on economy-wide decoupling of growth from emissions and development of an efficient, innovative low-emission industrial system.
It was also stated that Government of India has already taken a number of measures including the announcements in the Union Budget 2022-23 and 2023-24. Green economy is one of the top seven priorities  of the Union Budget presented to the Parliament on Feb 1, 2023. The Union Budget provides for Rs. 35,000 crores for priority capital investments towards energy transition and net zero objectives, and energy security. The Budget pushes energy transition by encouraging domestic production of solar power equipment and batteries, in line with India's climate commitments.
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s address to the media on his visit to Balasore, Odisha
A terrible accident has taken place. I am feeling this agonizing pain and the people of different states have lost something or the other in this accident. People have lost their lives and it is extremely painful and disturbing beyond imagination.
The government will leave no stone unturned to ensure fast recovery of those who have been injured. We will not be able to bring back the members we have lost, but the government stands with the families in the grief of their loved ones. This incident is extremely grave for the government. Instructions have been given out for every kind of investigation and whoever is found guilty would be awarded the harshest punishment. He will not be spared.
I also thank the Government of Odisha and all the officials of the administration here who tried to assist the people in every way they could in this situation. I also extend my gratitude to the residents here because they have tried to do everything possible in this hour of crisis; be it blood donation or helping in rescue operations. The youth of this area in particular have worked hard throughout the night.
I also respectfully bow down to the people of this area because due to their cooperation, the rescue operation could be carried forward at a faster pace. Railways has put together all its strength and has made full arrangements to further the relief & rescue operation, to restore the track as soon as possible and to restore the traffic at a rapid pace. Well thought-out efforts have been made in terms of these three aspects.
In this hour of sorrow, today I have visited the accident site and have taken stock of the situation. I have spoken to the injured people who were in the hospital as well. I don't have words to express this agony. But I hope God will give us all the strength to come out of this unfortunate time as soon as possible. I am sure that we will learn a lot from these incidents as well and will take forward our systems as much as possible giving priority to the safety of the citizens. It is a time of sorrow; let us all pray for these families.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.
President's Secretariat
President of India pays homage to Shri K.R. Narayanan on his birth anniversary
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, paid homage to Shri K.R. Narayanan, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
The President, officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan as well as family members of Shri Narayanan paid floral tributes in front of a portrait of Shri K.R. Narayanan.
VRRK/AK
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Prime Minister's Office
PM reviews situation prevailing in various parts of Delhi
Appeals to maintain peace and brotherhood
(Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation prevailing in various parts of Delhi.
“Had an extensive review on the situation prevailing in various parts of Delhi. Police and other agencies are working on the ground to ensure peace and normalcy.
Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm and normalcy is restored at the earliest”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
‘Koozhangal’ India’s official entry for 94th Academy Awards delineates sufferings of marital abuse
A simple story told in the simplest form touches the audience: Vinothraj P.S. at IFFI52 Presser
Panaji, 27 November 2021
Koozhangal, India’s Official nomination to Oscars delineates the pain and sufferings of a child and a mother, both victims of marital abuse.
“It’s a simple story told in the simplest form. And it is borrowed from my life itself. The film is based on the sufferings that my sister and her small child went through due to an alcoholic husband”, said the Director of this Tamil film Vinothraj P.S. at a media interaction held on the sidelines of 52nd IFFI today in Goa.
Briefing more about his debut feature film, the Director said that Koozhangal is based on the relationship between an alcoholic father and his son and presents their journey to bring back the wife who has gone off to her father’s house.
“I shot the film in my own village as both the story and the landscape were close to my heart. The landscape depicted in the film forms the third character as the behaviour of human beings are also influenced by the climate and geography where they live. The arid landscape and sweltry hot sun in which the entire plot is set are an important elements conditioning the conduct of the characters,” said Vinothraj while responding to a query on importance of the landscape in the film.
Narrating his struggles while making the film, Vinothraj said that initially they didn’t have sufficient funds to go for the feature film. “We had sent rough cut of the film to the NFDC Film Bazaar with the hope of finding a producer. It was noticed by noted Tamil director Ram, who later came forward to support us. Subsequently the film was produced by Director Vignesh Shivan and Actor Nayanthara” he added.
Chellapandi, the child artist in the film was also present at the interaction and it is his debut in acting.
The film, which is also a contender for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal has been screened at various film festivals and has won accolades across the globe.
Koozhangal

About the Film: On an unbearably hot day, Ganapathy, an alcoholic wife beater, embarks on a journey to an arid hamlet located 13 kms away to bring back his wife who has deserted him. He drags along his young son Velu. Their journey is fraught with the scorching heat and deserted terrain. On reaching, he learns that his wife has left for their home. Frustrated, he gets involved in a brawl. An annoyed Velu tears up the bus ticket, forcing the father-son to walk back home under the blazing sun.
About the Director: Vinothraj P.S. began his film career by assisting National Award-winning filmmaker A. Sarkunam and director N. Ragavan, and ‘Manal Magudi’, a theatre troupe. ‘Koozhangal’ is his debut film.
Producer: Rowdy Pictures is founded by screenwriter-director Vignesh Shivan . ‘Koozhangal’  is its maiden film, produced jointly with Nayanthara, a well-known actress with over 65 films to her credit in four South Indian languages.
Cast & Crew
Screenplay: Vinothraj P.S. DOP: Vignesh Kumulai, Jeya Parthi Editor: Ganesh Siva Cast: Karuththadaiyaan, Chellapandi
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
IFFI 53 Film Personality of the Year Award goes to Megastar Chiranjeevi
#IFFIWood, 20 November 2022
Chiranjeevi. Yes, the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022 goes to megastar and actor-producer Chiranjeevi Konidela. The announcement has been made by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, at the grand opening of the 53rd edition of IFFI, the International Film Festival of India, in Goa today.
In an illustrious film career spanning more than four decades, Chiranjeevi starred in more than 150 feature films in Telugu, as well as some films in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors of Telugu cinema.
He captured the imagination of the masses with his performance in Initlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya in 1982. He is admired for his zestful dance performances and fight sequences brimming with power. His influence has claimed him the title of a Megastar!
In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema.
The award has been announced by the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, in the company of Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan on stage, at the opening ceremony of IFFI. The award is a recognition the nation gives to the much-adored megastar for his contribution to cinema, popular culture and socially significant artistic work.
Congratulating the veteran actor, the Union I&B Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has said that Chiranjeevi has had an illustrious career spanning almost four decades, with more than 150 films as an actor, dancer & producer. "He is immensely popular in Telegu Cinema, with incredible performances touching hearts!", says the Minister.
Film luminaries like Waheeda Rahman, Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, Biswajit Chatterjee, Hema Malini and Prasoon Joshi have been honoured with this award in the past.
Vice President's Secretariat
Healthy debate is hallmark of a blossoming democracy, says the Vice-President
The success of our democracy is a collective, concerted endeavour of “WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA”- Vice-President
Vice-President cautions that weaponising disruption and disturbance as a strategy would never secure sanction of the people
Deliberations in the Constituent Assembly spread over three years exemplified decorum and healthy debate- VP
(The Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today emphasised the significance of the 75-years of Parliamentary journey, and highlighted the achievements, experiences, memories, and learnings that have shaped the Indian democracy. Underlining the “unwavering faith and unflinching belief of the masses” in Parliamentary democracy, the Vice-President stressed, “The success of our democracy is a collective, concerted endeavour of “WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA.”
Delivering the opening remarks at the commencement of the 261st Session of Rajya Sabha today, Shri Dhankhar noted that the hallowed precincts of the Rajya Sabha have witnessed numerous milestones, from the 'Tryst with Destiny' on August 15, 1947, to the implementation of the groundbreaking GST regime on June 30, 2017 to the present day.
Recalling the decorum and healthy debate witnessed during the Constituent Assembly's deliberations over three years, the Chairman said that contentious and highly divisive issues were negotiated in a spirit of consensus.
Calling healthy debate a hallmark of a blossoming democracy, Shri Dhankhar cautioned against confrontational posturing and the weaponisation of disruption and disturbance. “We all are constitutionally ordained to nurture democratic values and must so justify and vindicate the trust of the people,” he stressed.
Highlighting the importance of wit, humour and sarcasm inside Parliament, Shri Dhankhar referred to them as an “inalienable facet of a vigorous democracy” and expressed hope for the revival of such light hearted exchanges and scholarly debates.
The Vice-President urged members of the House to reflect and deliberate on the “highs and lows” witnessed within the precincts of Parliament. “This session makes available a befitting opportunity to reflect and introspect on “Parliamentary Journey of 75 Years Starting from Samvidhan Sabha – Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings”, he said.
The Vice President also acknowledged the contributions of our freedom fighters, constitutional forefathers, statesmen, politicians, and civil servants who have upheld and enriched India's democratic ideals.
Full text of the remarks: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1958422
Ministry of Defence
Passage Exercise  between Russian Federation Navy and Indian Navy in Eastern Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy  is undertaking a Passage Exercise  with Russian Federation Navy  in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region  from 4 to 5 December 2020. The exercise involves participation of RuFN guided missile cruiser Varyag, large anti-submarine ship AdmiralPanteleyev and medium ocean tanker Pechenga. INis being represented by indigenously constructed guided missile frigate Shivalik and anti-submarine corvetteKadmattalongwith integral helicopters.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices between both the friendly navies, and would involve advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, weapon firings, seamanship exercises and helicopter operations.
PASSEXs are conducted regularly by IN with units of friendly foreign navies, whilst visiting each other’s ports or during a rendezvous at sea. This exercise, being conducted in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region, reflects the strong long-term strategic relationship between the two countries and particularly, defence cooperation in the maritime domain.
This exercise is being conducted on the occasion of ‘Navy Day’ of the IN on 4th December, which emphasizes the strong bonds of friendship shared between the two friendly militaries. This PASSEX would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Russian defence relations. The two navies have built a robust relationship through regular exercises such as INDRA Navy conducted biennially, with the last edition held in the Northern Indian Ocean Region from 4 to 5 September 2020.
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Ministry of Civil Aviation
AAI under Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up two Aviation Skill Development Centres
Airports Authority of India  under Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India has set up two Aviation Skill Development Centres, till date, in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation . Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council  acts as an Awarding Body to assess the participants undergoing training and award certifications to the successful candidates. Details of the two Aviation Skill Development Centres are as follows:-
 Aviation Multi-skill Development Centre  set-up at Chandigarh.
This centre was set-up under the CSR initiative of Airports Authority of India . The other stakeholders of the project are National Skill Development Corporation  supported by the Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council  of India and Bird Academy of Aviation as a Training Partner.
 Aviation Skill Development Center at Mumbai, Maharashtra.
This centre was set-up by LearnNet Skills which is working as a Training implementation partner for CSR Project of AAI.
Currently, there is no proposal in government for setting up more Aviation Multi Skill Development Centres.
There are 108 training centers accredited by Aerospace & Aviation Sector Skill Council .
Aerospace & Aviation Sector Skill Council  is under the aegis of National Skill Development Corporation  and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship . AASSC adheres to the accreditation guidelines formulated by NSDC.
There are seven more aviation training partners who have sought accreditation from AASSC. List of these seven aviation training partners are:-
 RAPHA TECHS
 ASCENSIVE EDUCARE LIMITED
 Myfledge Private Limited
 Truly Yours Welfare Society
 Truly Yours Welfare Society
 VISION AVIATION ACADEMY
 Speedwings Aviation Academy
The proposed number of youth and women to be trained by the accredited training centers in next three years depends on the growth of the aviation sector.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Navratri
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Navratri.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"सभी देशवासियों को नवरात्रि की बधाई।
शक्ति की उपासना का यह पर्व हर किसी के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा का संचार करे।"
Ministry of Defence
Cabinet Approves Export of Akash Missile System and Creates a Committee for faster Approval of Exports
Under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms and missiles. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation.
Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army.
After its induction in the Services, interest is shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Def Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries.
So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal. This initiative of the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive.
The export version of Akash will be different from System currently deployed with Indian Armed Forces.
Besides Akash, there is interest coming in other major platforms like Coastal Surveillance System, Radars and Air platforms. To provide faster approvals for export of such platforms, a Committee comprising of Raksha Mantri, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor has been created.
This Committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries. The Committee would also explore various available options including the Government-to-Government route.
Government of India intends to focus on exporting high value defence platforms, to achieve target of 5 Billion USD of defence export and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Prevalence of Mental Disorders
As per the National Mental Health Survey, 2016, the prevalence of mental disorders in adults over the age of 18 years is about 10.6%. However, as per the study titled “The burden of mental disorders across the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease study 1990 – 2017” published in the Lancet Psychiatry on December 20, 2019, one in every seven people in India has mental disorder.
To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme  in the country. Under NMHP, Government is supporting implementation of the District Mental Health Programme  in 655 districts of the country for early detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/illnesses. To generate awareness among masses about mental illnesses, Information, Education and Communication  activities are included as an integral part of the NMHP. Funds upto Rs. 4 lakh per annum are provided to each District under the DMHP for IEC and awareness generation activities in the community, schools, colleges, workplaces, with community involvement. With the objective to address the shortage of qualified mental health professionals in the country, the Government is implementing Manpower Development Schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate  Departments in mental health specialties. Till date, support has been provided for establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence and strengthening/establishment of 47 Post Graduate  Departments in mental health specialties in the country. Tertiary level mental healthcare facilities are provided through dedicated Mental Health Institutions as well as Medical Colleges run by Central and State Governments. In addition to the Manpower Development Schemes of NMHP, the Government is also augmenting the availability of manpower to deliver mental healthcare services in the underserved areas of the country by providing online training courses to various healthcare service providers like medical officers, psychologists, social workers and nurses to deliver quality mental healthcare services throughout the country through the Digital Academies established at the three Central Mental Health Institutes.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.